Route 20 hotel, Owera Vineyards and Route 20 agri-tourism business all make the cut

The Central New York Regional Economic Development Council last Friday recommended three dozen business projects as top priority for $26.6 million in state funding as a way to bolster the region’s economic growth — and three of those projects, worth nearly $1.5 million, are either in or have direct ties to Cazenovia. There are also two major projects just down the road from Cazenovia in Hamilton.

The CNYREDC submitted its three-year progress report to the state last Friday, Aug. 15, providing detail on the council’s achievements in implementing its five-year Strategic Plan and providing a list of 36 priority projects it has endorsed for Round IV of the Regional Council competition.

“Through the Regional Council, Central New York has created a forum for new thinking, stronger partnerships, and growth-oriented investments that are bolstering our region's economic growth,” said Regional Council Co-chairs Kent Syverud, chancellor of Syracuse University and Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “Over the past three years, our region has implemented strategic priorities to grow well-paying industries, drive innovation and entrepreneurship, prepare businesses for a globally competitive economy and expanding market opportunities, cultivate civic trust, and encourage economic mobility within the region. We are confident that the 36 priority projects recommended for funding this round will continue that momentum, leveraging the greatest return on investment to stimulate growth and create prosperity across our five counties.”

Of the 36 projects endorsed by the council as regional priorities for Round IV of the Regional Council competition and submitted to the state, two were located in Cazenovia and one in Nelson:

Cazenovia Hospitality, LLC, is currently advancing its project to build a national chain hotel on Nelson Street in Cazenovia, across from the Town and Country Plaza on Route 20. The property will offer 80 guest rooms and a conference facility that can accommodate up to 300 people. “The project fills a void for a much needed hospitality center in the region, particularly with the growth of local agribusiness and arts, culture and educational activities in the area,” according to the report.